MedTecSummit 2025: Key takeaways and learnings

This week's MedTecSummit 2025 (#MedTecSummit2025) in Nürnberg was one of those events you immediately want to return to next year. ;-) As many in my network across Europe asked for a summary, I'm happy to share my key learnings and insights.

1. ePA (German electronic Health Record) : Facts Over Vision

As a member of the Ad-Board of Health Care By Your Side for the ePA Test Region in Franconia, I had the opportunity to listen to Tim Bremer (gematik GmbH) discuss the latest developments in the German electronic health record (#ePA). It was very interesting to hear what the actual status is. At the moment there is the pilot phase ongoing and there is a bit more time needed to do testings and check things again. Understandable.

But we need to explain that. We need to provide factual and transparent information to patient communities instead of relying solely on visionary discussions. To see a vision is great, to know the facts is better also to manage too high expectations etc. A clear understanding of the implementation process helps set realistic expectations and drives engagement. Let’s move past endless debates and focus on actionable steps to bring digitalization forward.

2. Digitalization & Health Data: Patients, Citizens, and Caregivers must be involved

I gained valuable insights into #AI, #EHDS, and digitalization in healthcare, particularly the increasing demand for #healthdata. However, one glaring issue stood out—patients, citizens, and caregivers were underrepresented unfortunately.

Also in one session were it became clear that health data are really necessary. For Development of new solutions but also to learn about diseases etc. The Experts in the Panel mentioned this very strongly and it is clear. But as we are still in an ongoing discussion about privacy, data protection etc., there is forgotten, that there are those people known as patients. This was a moment for me to comment in my role as patient expert.

Studies confirm that people living with chronic conditions are generally willing to share their data. Those directly affected are capable of making informed choices about their health data, and it is essential to ensure that they are seen as key stakeholders in decision-making processes. We don't leave our brain or skills back while getting a diagnosis. And we, as patients want to make own decisions, this was my message to the audience but also to the experts, because we need to talk as patients are not always heard.

It should be essential to provide information and education to patients to enable them to build a robust digital health and data literacy, and they must be empowered to use this knowledge for informed decision-making processes when it comes to sharing health data.

Additionally, at events and summits, we often see experts talking about patients rather than talking with them. This has to change. Patients, citizens, and caregivers must be included in discussion panels to ensure their voices are heard directly, instead of being represented solely by third parties. True patient-centered healthcare means including those affected in every stage of the conversation. And please can we stop to mention health data as the new oil? At the end, it comes from humans.

3. Insights from My Panel Discussion

I was honored to be part of a panel discussion with four other great experts Anna Bauer-Mehren Stefanie Scholz Marina Leonie Moskvina and Professor Dr. Thomas Schildhauer, moderated by Joerg Traub . The discussion focused on digitalization and how digital solutions can make healthcare better and more efficient.

This exchange of ideas was incredibly valuable. However, I noticed something important: despite our different professional backgrounds, we all wanted the same thing: whether as doctors, researchers, patients, or consultants shaping the future of digital health, we all recognize the urgent need for new solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness in healthcare.

One thought that emerged during my reflection on the discussion: Why don’t we establish an interdisciplinary exchange network? A space where different stakeholder groups can come together across borders to discuss needs, insights, and expectations in digital health and also help others to find their ways or strategies? Collaboration is key—so why not create an overarching network to drive progress together?

I would love to hear thoughts and ideas on this—let’s start the conversation!

4. Gender Balance: More Diversity, Fewer “Mannels”

Another recurring theme at the summit was the presence of male-dominated panels (a.k.a. “mannels”). Diverse perspectives drive better outcomes—let’s strive for more balanced representation in future discussions, as we know, we have great Women in this area.

5. EHDS Updates provided by Dr. Georg Münzenrieder

Thank you to Dr. Georg Münzenrieder for an insightful presentation on the #EHDS. Once again, the legendary Lego slide made an appearance—always a highlight! The session provided a comprehensive update on how the EHDS framework is evolving and its potential impact on data access and interoperability across Europe. The breakdown of the next steps in EHDS implementation gave valuable clarity about this huge project and it showed the benefits also when it comes to travel across the EU and how we all can benefit if we need a doctor. That was one of the reason why I was a proud member of the consortium of BRU_DHI (Digital Health International) Iscte during the last two years, it was about the EEHRxF (European Electronic Health Record exchange Format) I want to have care across the EU whenever I need it and I want to share my health data please with the doctors.

In my opinion: The implementation of EHDS will be a game-changer, but it requires collaboration between policymakers, healthcare providers, and patient organizations to make it truly effective.

6. Simplifying Regulations for Innovation

One of the most valuable learnings from experts at the summit: we need to simplify regulations and policies, particularly for startups and projects in AI, DIGA, and other digital health initiatives. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles will help drive innovation and bring solutions to market more efficiently. It will also help start-ups to move forward and enable them to bring their projects to reality. There is so much potential for innovation, but complexity and regulatory barriers slow down progress. Let’s work towards a system that encourages creativity and accelerates the implementation of new solutions in healthcare.

Final Thoughts

The MedTecSummit 2025 reinforced the importance of collaboration, transparency, and inclusion in shaping the future of digital health. The Event provided an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded professionals. These conversations reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration and partnership-building to drive digital health forward.

My call to action: Let’s ensure that patients, citizens, and caregivers are actively involved in discussions about their health data and digital health solutions. Representation matters—both in decision-making panels and in shaping policies that impact millions. Looking forward to continuing these important conversations!

A big thank you to Bayern Innovativ GmbH Gesundheit bei Bayern Innovativ Matthias Ullmann for inviting me to the panel discussion, to the Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Gesundheit, Pflege und Pr?vention for supporting activities and projects like Health Care By Your Side, and so many more people who organized a great Summit and welcome to my new contacts in my network, I am looking forward to be in touch with all of you.